"To emulate", negative?

[Mehrgan]

Hi all,
Is this verb used to express a negative view? Can't it be used when talking about role models?


Many thanks.

 

[freezeframe]

Hi all,
Is this verb used to express a negative view? Can't it be used when talking about role models?


Many thanks.

Usually it's a positive thing. You emulate something/someone because you like it/them.

 

[Mehrgan]

Usually it's a positive thing. You emulate something/someone because you like it/them.

Thanks. The Cambridge Dictionary gives an example that sounded negative to me.

To copy something achieved by someone else and try to do it as well as they have.
"They hope to emulate the success of other software companies."

 

[5jj]

Thanks. The Cambridge Dictionary gives an example that sounded negative to me.

To copy something achieved by someone else and try to do it as well as they have.
"They hope to emulate the success of other software companies."

No, that's positive. Other software companies have been very successful. 'They' hope to be just as successful; it doesn't mean they want to copy the other companies' products.